One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Sofia

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Varna for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s itinerary in Varna covers several incredible sights, including an aquarium, a zoo, a park, a church, a monument, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Dolphinarium Varna. This intriguing aquarium is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the photogenic wonders of Varna Zoo, a must-see zoo in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Sea Garden. This captivating park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral, where you can take in culturally significant features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Clock Tower Of Varna and Retro Museum. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Visit Grand Mall Varna in Varna for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Grand Mall Varna has to offer, including a cinema, restaurants, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Varna's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at di Wine, a top-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider 100 Pizzas, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Morska terasa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Muffin Bar & Coffee. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Hey offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Deja Vu, another top-rated bar in the area.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Varna today. One of the most increasingly popular attractions included on the itinerary is Trapezitsa Fortress. This gorgeous archeological site will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Tsarevets Fortress and learn what makes this history-steeped castle unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the locally appreciated Park "sveta Gora". After exploring the park, head to Monument To The Assen Dynasty. This locally appreciated monument is a highlight in Varna. As your day continues, stop by Marno Pole Park, known for its picture-perfect features. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the underrated Monument Of Mother Bulgaria. Enjoy exploring this incredible monument at your own pace.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Veliko Tarnovo's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant "Ethno", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern "Petleto"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Bell as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Famous Bar 2, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Grill Kolata, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Veliko Tarnovo, including an archeological site, a historical landmark, a park, an art installation and much more! Start your day with a visit to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This captivating archeological site is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Old Town Of Plovdiv, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Veliko Tarnovo on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, an underrated archeological site in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for “tsar Simeon Garden” Park and Singing Fountain.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Salt & Pepper, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rahat Tepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out KFC. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Rock Bar Download, known for its lively atmosphere. North Star is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Borovets, Samokov, and Dupnitsa, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Sofia. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Plovdiv, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " Vhod, an underrated palace in the village. Then, head to Tsarska Bistritsa and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting palace.

There are many interesting places to see in Plovdiv, and when you are ready for more, go to City Park By The River Iskar. This is one of the village’s most worthwhile instagrammable spots of interest. After exploring the park, visit the often recommended Bistritsa Waterfall.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Saffron Indian Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Island Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Grijn Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Cairo Relax Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Sofia. Bar National is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Tsar Ivan Shishman Street is a fantastic place you can explore today in Sofia. This street is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Sofia-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Start by visiting Borisova Gradina Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Eagles' Bridge, another must-visit landmark and interesting monument renowned for its symbolic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Sofia by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This historic church is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Sofia experience. We also recommend visiting National Palace Of Culture, a notable convention center. Nearby, you'll also find South Park, ready to add charm to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel Forum offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Turquoise Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Cocktail Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Urban Rebel offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Samokov. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Varna. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Begin your adventure at Belyova Church. This is an underrated church you should not miss. Another must-see is Park "lago", an increasingly popular park in Sofia.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Samokov Convent "pokrov".

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Varna. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Varna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", a top-rated dining spot in Varna. If you're in the mood for something new, try Mr Baba, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Chuchura Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Varna.

Keep the evening going at Cubo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Gossip Bar Max, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Cafe-bar Vogue, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.